Paper wallpaper — a guide to the classic and how to hang it
Before non-woven and vinyl, there was only one: paper wallpaper. It remains the benchmark for how a printed pattern should look — more matt, softer and more alive than on any other ground. The price is that it asks more of whoever hangs it. Here is the technique that makes the classic sit perfectly.
What is a paper wallpaper?
A paper wallpaper consists of one or two layers of paper (duplex) with the pattern printed directly onto the surface. Historic houses such as Morris & Co still print many of their patterns on paper — often using surface printing, which gives the colour an almost painted depth. See our range of paper wallpapers here.
Characteristics — pros and cons
- The most beautiful print surface: matt, porous paper brings a pattern to life in a way coated surfaces cannot match.
- Historically accurate: the first choice for turn-of-the-century and period interiors.
- Vapour-permeable: the wall can breathe.
- Requires technique: soaking time, a pasting table and a practised hand — paper forgives few mistakes.
- A delicate surface: seldom tolerates washing and rubbing; choose rooms with care.
How to hang a paper wallpaper — paste the paper
- Preparation: a smooth, evenly absorbent, primed wall. Paper reveals every irregularity.
- Cut and match the pattern: cut all the drops for one wall at a time, allowing for the repeat and waste.
- Paste the drop: an even coat of wallpaper paste on the back, from the centre outwards. Fold the drop paste to paste ("booking").
- Soaking time: let the drop soften for exactly as long as the roll specifies — and for the same length of time for every drop. This is where most people go wrong: different times give different widths.
- Hang and smooth: work from the top, edge to edge, and smooth into place with a soft wallpaper brush. Do not squeeze paste out at the joins.
- Trim and dry: trim at the ceiling and skirting with a sharp blade; wipe traces of paste off mouldings immediately. Let the room dry without draughts — drying too quickly leads to gaping joins.
Care and choice of room
Dust dry; always test any cleaning on a hidden area. Paper wallpaper is at home in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, studies and hallways — not in wet rooms or the kitchen splash zone. In the reception rooms of a turn-of-the-century home, it reigns supreme.
Frequently asked questions
How do you hang a paper wallpaper?
Paper wallpaper is pasted on the back (paste the paper), folded paste to paste and left to soften for a few minutes — the soaking time is stated on the roll. The drop is then hung and smoothed into place with a soft brush. Every drop must be given exactly the same soaking time.
Why does paper wallpaper need to soften before hanging?
Paper expands when it becomes damp. If the drop is allowed to soften fully before it is hung, the expansion happens on the table rather than on the wall — otherwise bubbles form and the joins can gape as the wallpaper dries.
What is the difference between paper wallpaper and non-woven?
Paper wallpaper is pasted on the drop and requires soaking time; non-woven is dimensionally stable and is hung dry onto a pasted wall. Paper gives the most matt, most classic surface — non-woven is easier to work with.
Can paper wallpaper be washed?
Most paper wallpapers tolerate only dry dusting or very gentle damp wiping — check the care symbol. Choose rooms accordingly.
Why choose paper wallpaper today?
For the surface and the print. Classic patterns — such as William Morris prints — look their most beautiful on matt paper, and in turn-of-the-century homes, paper wallpaper is the historically accurate choice.